Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Shamrock Shake Cupcakes bring the refreshing minty flavor of a Shamrock Shake into a delightful cupcake form. The cupcakes are soft, moist, and lightly flavored with mint, while the green food coloring gives them a festive touch. Topped with creamy frosting, they are as fun to make as they are to eat. Whether you’re celebrating St. Patrick’s Day or simply in the mood for a minty treat, these cupcakes are sure to impress!
Ingredients
For the Cupcakes:
- 1 box (15.25 oz/432g) white cake mix
- 3 large egg whites
- 1 cup (237ml) water
- 1/3 cup (79ml) vegetable oil
- 1/4-1/2 teaspoon mint or peppermint extract (adjust based on taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon green food coloring
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
For the Cupcakes:
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- Prepare the cake batter: In a large bowl, combine the white cake mix, egg whites, water, vegetable oil, and mint extract. Use an electric mixer to beat the ingredients on low speed for 30 seconds, then increase the speed to medium and beat for 2 minutes, until the batter is smooth and well combined.
- Add the green food coloring: Add the green food coloring to the batter and mix until you reach your desired shade of green. You can add more or less depending on how vibrant you want the color to be.
- Fill the cupcake liners: Divide the batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full.
- Bake the cupcakes: Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.
- Cool the cupcakes: Remove the cupcakes from the oven and let them cool in the tin for 5 minutes. Then transfer the cupcakes to a wire rack to cool completely before frosting.
For the Frosting:
You can use any frosting you like, but a creamy vanilla buttercream or mint-flavored frosting works best to complement the cupcakes. Here’s a quick recipe for mint buttercream frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- A few drops of green food coloring (optional)
- Make the frosting: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with an electric mixer until smooth. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, and continue to beat until well combined.
- Add cream and flavoring: Add the heavy cream, peppermint extract, and a few drops of green food coloring. Beat on medium-high speed until the frosting is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Frost the cupcakes: Once the cupcakes are completely cooled, frost them generously with the mint buttercream frosting. You can use a piping bag for a more decorative look or simply spread it with a spatula.
- Garnish (optional): For an extra festive touch, you can sprinkle the cupcakes with green sprinkles or add a mint leaf on top.
Servings and Timing
This recipe makes about 12 cupcakes.
Total time: 45 minutes
Prep time: 15 minutes
Bake time: 18-22 minutes
Variations
- Chocolate mint twist: Add 1/4 cup of cocoa powder to the cupcake batter for a chocolatey base, and top with chocolate mint frosting.
- Mocha version: Add 1 tablespoon of instant coffee or espresso powder to the batter for a mocha mint flavor combo.
- Vegan version: Use a vegan cake mix and replace the egg whites with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water) for a vegan-friendly option.
Storage/Reheating
Store any leftover cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. If you’d like them to last longer, refrigerate them for up to 1 week. These cupcakes are best enjoyed fresh, but they can also be frozen for up to 2 months. To freeze, place the cupcakes in an airtight container or freezer bag and thaw at room temperature before serving.
FAQs
Can I make these cupcakes ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the cupcakes a day ahead of time and store them in an airtight container. Frost them just before serving for the best results.
Can I use a different cake mix?
Yes, you can use a different flavor of cake mix if you prefer, like chocolate or vanilla, but the mint flavor will shine best with the white cake mix.
How do I make these cupcakes extra minty?
You can increase the amount of peppermint extract to 1/2 teaspoon, but be careful not to overpower the flavor. Taste the batter before adding more to ensure it’s to your liking.
Can I use cream cheese frosting instead of buttercream?
Yes, you can make a creamy cream cheese frosting by substituting some of the butter with cream cheese for a tangier twist. It pairs well with the mint flavor!
Can I use food coloring gels instead of liquid?
Yes, food coloring gels work great and give a more vibrant color without changing the texture of the batter.
How do I make the frosting smooth and fluffy?
Be sure to beat the frosting well after adding the powdered sugar and heavy cream. The longer you beat, the fluffier the frosting will become!
Can I freeze the cupcakes before frosting them?
Yes, you can freeze the cupcakes before frosting them. Just wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw them at room temperature before frosting.
Can I make mini cupcakes with this recipe?
Yes, you can make mini cupcakes with this recipe. Just reduce the baking time to about 10-12 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
Can I make these cupcakes without green food coloring?
Yes, you can omit the food coloring if you prefer. The cupcakes will still taste delicious, though they won’t have the classic green color.
Conclusion
Shamrock Shake Cupcakes are a fun, minty, and festive treat that brings the flavor of the famous Shamrock Shake into a soft, fluffy cupcake form. Whether you’re celebrating St. Patrick’s Day or just craving something sweet and minty, these cupcakes are sure to be a hit. With a light minty flavor, creamy frosting, and a pop of green, they’re the perfect dessert to share with friends and family. Enjoy the deliciousness with every bite!
Print
Shamrock Shake Cupcakes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Diet: Vegan
Description
These Shamrock Shake Cupcakes are a festive and fun way to enjoy the classic Shamrock Shake flavor in cupcake form. Soft, mint-flavored cupcakes topped with creamy mint buttercream frosting, they’re perfect for St. Patrick’s Day or anytime you want a delicious, minty treat. Easy to make and full of flavor, these cupcakes will be the star of your next celebration!
Ingredients
For the Cupcakes:
- 1 box (15.25 oz/432g) white cake mix
- 3 large egg whites
- 1 cup (237ml) water
- 1/3 cup (79ml) vegetable oil
- 1/4–1/2 teaspoon mint or peppermint extract (adjust based on taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon green food coloring
For the Mint Buttercream Frosting:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- A few drops of green food coloring (optional)
Instructions
For the Cupcakes:
- Preheat the oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- Prepare the batter: In a large bowl, mix the cake mix, egg whites, water, vegetable oil, and mint extract. Beat on low for 30 seconds, then medium speed for 2 minutes.
- Add the green color: Add green food coloring to reach your desired color and mix well.
- Fill the liners: Pour batter into the cupcake liners, filling about 2/3 full.
- Bake: Bake for 18-22 minutes, until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let cool for 5 minutes in the tin, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
For the Frosting:
- Make the frosting: Beat softened butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, followed by heavy cream, peppermint extract, and food coloring. Beat on high until fluffy (about 3-4 minutes).
- Frost the cupcakes: Once cupcakes are cool, frost them generously with the mint buttercream. Use a piping bag for decoration or spread with a spatula.
Notes
- Chocolate mint twist: Add 1/4 cup of cocoa powder for a chocolate base and pair with chocolate mint frosting.
- Vegan version: Use a vegan cake mix and substitute egg whites with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water).
- Garnish: For extra flair, add green sprinkles or a mint leaf on top of the frosting.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
